Yesterday as I left the remote Teams call, after demonstrating some desk stretches to a group of gorgeous lovely people at work, I burst into tears.

It wasn’t just because my colleague had run around gathering anyone she could to join in as it was my last session, or that my screen was filled with smiles, laughter and people in strange positions, or because it was the last time I would do something so ridiculous. It was the thought of loss I suppose. Lord knows how I’ll be when I actually leave in 2 weeks.

I hadn’t been sure I would ever return to HR after having my girls, but after a lovely, and at times bizarre, few years working in HR in SEND education I knew if I was to carry on with my career it had to be in a sector that made a difference. I’ve now been working at the same charity for over 7 years so it must have been the right decision. 7 years have seen enormous change and lots of challenge, but also real joy and fun. I’m coming out with real friendships made, eclectic memories and a lot of information in my brain that I’ll never need again.

It’s time to change my career so I’m jumping in feet first to work in a building about 100 yards away from my current one – I can wave to anyone standing in the kitchen. I’m changing HR direction and there will be learning and growth and all that valuable stuff that helps your brain. It’s a good thing even if I am really sad to be leaving where I currently work. What a glorious committed talented fun bunch of people.

I leave mid September. September is a funny time of year. It’s often a period where I feel energised and ready for change – back to school pencil cases and fresh starts after the holidays. The obvious loss of summer but the tempting promise of cosy nights (which by January everyone is sick of). It’s the month that features birthdays, once beloved and now viewed with slight trepidation. Reminders of sadness now feature heavily. But it is the right time for me to move on, even if I will likely never again demonstrate neck exercises live from my back office.